We are fast approaching the end of the current Branch Council’s two year term of office. A new term will begin in January 2019. So the time has come to invite nominations for a new Branch Council and new Branch President (the positions of Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary are elected internally by the new Branch Council.) I am happy to say that a number of our current councillors are planning to re-offer but we would love to add some new faces (and voices) to our boardroom table.

As a member of ACTRA Maritimes’ Branch Council you will be directly involved in decisions that impact the running of your Branch. You will be joining a team of motivated, engaged, and committed members who volunteer their time and energy in an effort to increase and improve working opportunities for a membership 600 strong.

The position of Branch Councillor is rewarding but it requires commitment. The term is two years, during which time you are expected to attend monthly meetings, membership meetings and events, support several committees, participate in political action and vote on numerous branch decisions. If you have ever thought about getting more involved, or been curious about how this National union works; if you have been frustrated with any aspect of it and felt that you

would do things differently…now is your chance! Councils work best when our voices and perspectives are diverse. Democracy works best when councils are not acclaimed but choices are presented and elections are held.

Nomination forms are linked below. There are separate nomination forms for Branch Councillor and Branch President. We have included both forms in two formats. One is a fillable excel form and one in is a printable pdf. Only one version of a form needs to be completed. Both the Nominator and Nominee must be full members of the Maritimes Branch in good standing. The form must be signed by both the Full Member making the nomination and the Nominee.

Fully completed nomination forms may be scanned & emailed or mailed to the ACTRA office at:

maritimes@actra.ca
103-1660 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1V7

Unless all positions are acclaimed, ballots will be sent out October 29, 2018 and elections will then take place with the membership being asked to vote. A new Council will be announced after the election and then take up the reigns in January.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your Branch President for the last two years. I have met and talked with many smart, passionate, proud fellow ACTRA Maritimes’ members who I know would make great Councillors. I really hope to see some of your names nominated.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about sitting on Council, please don’t hesitate to write me at the address below.

In solidarity,

Francine Deschepper
President and National Councillor
ACTRA Maritimes
francinedeschepper@actramaritimes.ca